The purpose of this page is to provide information to the community of New Paltz regarding the Elting Memorial Library’s upcoming VOTE on November 7, 2023. Any questions, concerns or comments can be directed to Richard Heyl de Ortiz, President of the Board of Trustees.
WHAT & WHEN?
Under Chapter 414 of NYS Education Law 259, the Elting Memorial Library will hold a vote this Fall. On Tuesday, November 7, 2023 there will be a proposition on the ballot for the general election. This proposition will ask the following:
“SHALL THE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE TOWN OF NEW PALTZ FOR THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE ELTING MEMORIAL LIBRARY BE INCREASED BY SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($65,000) TO THE SUM OF SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($721,000) ANNUALLY?”
Elting's referendum question is one of five on this year's ballot. Referendum questions are on the back of ballot. Our referendum question is the fifth (or last) one listed.
WHY?
Libraries need sustainable funding! Libraries provide essential services that people count on. Securing adequate, stable funding for a library is critical.
Most public libraries secure funding through an annual public budget vote. In the past, the Elting Library has not held an annual public budget vote. As a result the library needed to fundraise more and more each year just to sustain our basic resources and services.
The cost of living, inflation, NYS required minimum wage increases, and increase in library use have all added to our financial challenges.
WHERE & HOW?
The library’s proposition will be on the General Election ballot on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Voting will take place at your regular polling facility.
Helpful Links:
Important VOTE FAQ
How is the Elting Memorial Library funded?
The library is funded through a variety of resources. The main source of funding comes from the taxpayers of New Paltz. The remainder of the operating fund is earned through fundraising, grants, and gifts.
Why does the library need to hold a vote?
Libraries are FREE to use, but not free to operate. The cost of ebooks and digital materials is higher for libraries than for regular customers.
The rising cost of medical insurance and New York State’s mandated minimum wage increases have greatly impacted our operating budget.
Increased use of the library requires more staff. The library currently needs:
Additional staff to assist patrons
Maintenance person to upkeep our building
Didn’t you just go out for a vote?
In 2021 the library held a public budget vote - the first since November of 2017. Unfortunately, this left the library in a position of “playing catch up”.
Most public libraries hold an annual public budget vote. Ideally, libraries hold votes annually for small increases, much like our school districts do.
How is the library operated?
The library employs between 14 and 16 individuals who provide direct services to the public. Volunteers provide assistance with a variety of tasks.
Learn more about the Board of Trustees
Aren’t libraries obsolete?
Not at all! Libraries are busier than ever. Elting is no exception. The internet allows us to offer more services in a wide variety of formats. Many of our resources are accessible from your home computer, making using the library easier than ever before.
Check out our resources
I don’t use the library, why should I support it?
Libraries are not just for those that love books! Our library offers streaming movies, downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, digital magazines, and more. In 2022, the library became a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility.
That’s not all! We have just begun to create a Library of Things. Check out a power washer or a rake. Maybe borrow the sewing machine and save money on clothes.
“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.”
What happens if the vote passes?
Elting Library will be able to continue to provide our residents with quality services. Our digital collection is growing rapidly, and we offer tons of educational programs and helpful services.
What happens if the vote fails?
Unfortunately, the increasing costs of materials, wages, and library usage is making it difficult to continue to provide the same level of service.
Fundraising to maintain our operating budget is not sustainable. The Board will have to make hard decisions regarding what areas of services to cut in the result of a failed vote.
How much will the increase cost me?
With 4,868 households (according to the U.S. Census for 2021), our $65,000 increase means a $13.35 tax increase per household.
Basically, the increase amounts to $1.11 a month.
Where does the money go?
The money goes back to our community in the form of services and resources. Our staff is probably our biggest resource. They are the ones who teach users how to connect with what they need.
View our 2022 Annual Budget to learn more.
We are even ranked high on Charity Navigator! Check us out.
Where and when do I vote?
The vote will be held on Tuesday, November `7, 2023. You can vote in your normal polling facility.
For additional information contact the Ulster Board of Elections.